US consulates in India will restrict visa interview waiver eligibility to those who have a previous U.S. visa in the same class as the visa for which they wish to apply and their prior visa is in the same visa class and is still valid or expired within the last 12 months.
This is a significant reduction in eligibility as previously a travel with a passport stamp expired within 48 months could get an visa interview waiver.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
This change will likely lengthen wait times for visa applicants. Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.